Toilet ventilation system with replacement filtration

ABSTRACT

A toilet ventilation system with replaceable filtration, the system comprised of a vented seat, a separate evacuation unit having a motor and fan within, the fan having a fan shroud with a restrictor, the shroud threadably attached to a filter housing with filter, the filter housing having a housing choke connected to a housing tube such that exiting air velocity is increased. The evacuation case has a threadably received vented cover, such that filter removal and replacement is provided for. A flexible collection tube connects the seat to the evacuation unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A need has been established and solutions pursued for the ventilation of unpleasant odors from restroom facilities. The pursuits typically involve forced air ventilation from ceilings and upper walls. Other more recent designs address toilet seat ventilation. Various problems are associated with toilet seat ventilation. These problems include (a) what to do with the vented gasses, (b) how to power the ventilation, (c) filtration of ventilated gasses, (d) filter flow, and (e) access to filtration mechanisms. The present invention successfully solves these concerns.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to restroom ventilation and more specifically to a toilet ventilation system with replaceable filtration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The general purpose of the toilet ventilation system with replaceable filtration, described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a toilet ventilation system with replaceable filtration which has many novel features that result in an improved toilet ventilation system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by prior art, either alone or in combination thereof.

The toilet ventilation system with replaceable filtration utilizes an existing toilet for mounting a replacement seat, after removing the existing seat. Mounting points are identical. The seat lid is typically attached via the hinge of the seat. Typical mounting points and hardware are used. The shape of the vented seat closely resembles that of the typical seat. The oval seat is also offered in examples which are closed or open in the front of the oval. The vented seat is comprised of a plurality of vent apertures. The apertures face medially from the interior of the oval seat, toward the center of the toilet. Apertures are numerous such that they easily acquire air to be vented without noisy operation. The apertures are positioned throughout the interior perimeter of the seat.

The vented seat of the invention is injection molded, thereby offering more efficiently produced seats with the proper apertures and vent channel within. Injection molding also offers strength of design that might otherwise be lost with the vented seat. Seat examples vary to suit various existing restroom needs. The materials used in various examples are plastics, polymers, and fiberglass reinforced plastics (frp's).

One example of the invention comprises a pressure switch for activating a connection to engage the fan motor. The switch mounts beneath the vented seat, between the seat and the existing toilet bowl. Another example features a timer for abbreviating the time that an existing ventilation fan runs. Still other examples feature a speed control for the fan motor. One example offers three motor speeds.

The vented seat apertures collect gasses from the toilet bowl area. The apertures communicate with a vent channel comprising a substantial internal area of the vented seat. The vent channel communicates with the transfer port. The transfer port is disposed on the side of the seat and proximal to the rear of the seat. The gasses pass from the transfer port into a collection tube proximal to the rear of the seat. An attachment grommet is fitted to the transfer port. The collection tube securely fits within the attachment grommet. The collection tube is fully flexible. The flexibility of the collection tube enables pivoting of the seat without breaking the collection tube connection with the transfer port and grommet.

The collection tube transfers gasses to the evacuation unit. The evacuation unit is comprised of an encased motor with fan and filter. The most complete example of the invention utilizes an activated charcoal filter. The filter is replaceable and easily accessed. The filter housing is accessed from an access cover on the side of the unit case of the evacuation unit. The unit case also has a removable vented cover. The vented cover screws onto the end of the unit case opposite the motor end of the case. Screwing the vented cover off of the case accesses the filter housing. The filter housing screws into the fan shroud. Screwing the filter housing out of the fan shroud provides access to the filter for replacement. The internally disposed fan shroud and filter housing are cylindrical. The fan shroud housing further comprises a shroud restrictor. The shroud restrictor is disposed at the shroud outlet. The shroud restrictor ensures proper air delivery from the fan shroud. The shroud outlet is in direct communication with the housing intake of the filter housing. The housing intake substantially matches the shroud restrictor in diameter, assisting in laminar gas flow. The filter housing is further comprised of a housing choke. The housing choke constricts the diameter of the filter housing. The housing choke is joined to the housing tube. The diameter of the housing tube matches that of the housing choke. Gas flow exits the housing tube. Gas flow passes out of the unit case via the cover vents in the vented cover of the unit case.

The vented seat replaces a typical toilet seat. The evacuation unit is place as desired. Further examples of the invention offer longer collection tubes such that the evacuation unit can be positioned farther from the typical toilet. The evacuation unit is plugged into a standard electrical outlet. The invention is then ready for operation. Filters are replaced as desired.

Thus has been broadly outlined the more important features of the toilet ventilation system so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.

Numerous objects, features and advantages of the toilet ventilation system with replaceable filtration will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, examples of the toilet ventilation system with replaceable filtration when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this respect, before explaining the current examples of the toilet ventilation system with replaceable filtration in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustration. The invention is capable of other examples and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the toilet ventilation system with replaceable filtration. It is therefore important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Objects of the toilet ventilation system with replaceable filtration, along with various novel features that characterize the invention are particularly pointed out in the claims forming a part of this disclosure. For better understanding of the toilet ventilation system, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, refer to the accompanying drawings and description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention installed on a typical toilet.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the invention installed on a typical toilet.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the evacuation unit.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional top view of the vented toilet seat and medially disposed inlet apertures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular FIGS. 1 through 4 thereof, example of the pivot mounted toilet ventilation system employing the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference number 10 will be described.

Referring to FIG. 1, the toilet ventilation system 10 for use with a typical toilet 56 is partially comprised of a vented seat 12. The vented seat 12 is partially comprised of a plurality of inlet apertures 13 within the seat 12. The inlet apertures 13 are disposed medially within the seat 12. The seat 12 attaches to the toilet 56 via the hinge 18. The seat 12 pivotally rests atop the toilet bowl 50. The hinge 18 mounts to the toilet 56 as did the original toilet seat (not shown). The seat lid 54 attaches to the hinge 18 in typical fashion. The seat lid 54 is open. The seat lid 54 matches the external shape of the seat 12. The toilet reservoir 52 remains as a part of the typical toilet 56. The evacuation unit 20 rests upon a surface (not shown) beside the toilet 56. The evacuation unit is powered by the power cord 39. The power cord 39 plugs into a standard electrical outlet (not shown). The evacuation unit 20 is connected to the vented seat 12 via the flexible collection tube 19. The evacuation unit case 22 covers the cylindrical evacuation unit 22. The access plate 24 is disposed on the side of the case 22. The end of the evacuation unit case 22 is further comprised of a vented cover 60. The cover vents 62 are disposed within a substantial portion of the vented cover 60.

Referring to FIG. 2, the evacuation unit 20 is disposed below the toilet reservoir 52. The flexible collection tube 19 connects the vented seat 12 to the evacuation unit 20. The gas flow 70 departs the vented seat 12 and is transferred to the evacuation unit 20. Filtered gasses (not shown) exit the cover vents 62 of the vented cover 60. Legs 23 are disposed on the bottom of the evacuation unit stand 21. The stand 21 supports the evacuation unit 20.

Referring to FIG. 3, the cylindrical evacuation unit 20 comprises a cylindrical unit case 22. The power cord 39 exits the unit case 22 at the motor end of the case 22. The motor 25 is disposed longitudinally within the case 22 at the motor end of the case 22. The motor 25 is supported by the motor mount 27. The motor mount 27 is held within the case 22 by fasteners 38. The axle 26 extends medially within the case 22 from the motor 25. The end of the axle 26 is fitted with the fan 28. The fan 28 is surrounded by the cylindrical fan shroud 30. The fan shroud 30 is disposed approximately centrally within the case 22. The fan shroud 30 is held within the unit case 22 on shroud mount 33. Shroud mount 33 is held within the unit case 22 by fasteners 38. The fan shroud 30 is comprised of a motor end and a filter end. The motor end of the fan shroud 30 surrounds the axle 26. The shroud seal 48 seals the fan shroud 30 around the axle 26. The shroud restrictor 36 is disposed in the filter end of the fan shroud 30. The shroud restrictor 36 decreases the diameter of the shroud outlet 32, thereby channeling and accelerating gas flow 70 out of the fan shroud 30. The shroud thread 34 is disposed immediately outside of the shroud restrictor 36. The shroud thread 34 removably accepts the housing thread 42 of the filter housing 40. The cylindrical filter housing 40 houses the removable filter 41. The filter housing 40 is further comprised of the housing choke 46. The housing choke 46 is of a smaller diameter than the filter housing 40. The cylindrical housing tube 44 is affixed to the filter housing 40 at the housing choke 46. The housing tube 44 diameter matches that of the housing choke 46. The housing choke 46 and the housing tube 44 accelerate the filtered gas flow 70 out of the filter 41. The housing tube 44 extends toward the filter end of the unit case 22. The vented cover 60 caps the filter end of the unit case 22. The filter end of the unit case 22 is male threaded. The male thread 47 receives the female cover thread 64 of the vented cover 60.

Referring to FIG. 4, the vented seat 12 is substantially internally comprised of the vent channel 15. The plurality of inlet apertures 13 open medially toward the inside of the vented seat 12. The inlet apertures 13 directly communicate with the vent channel 15. The transfer port 14 is laterally from the seat 12. The transfer port 14 is disposed proximal to the rear of the seat 12. A grommet 17 is provided such that the collection tube 19 (FIGS. 1 and 2) connection to the transfer port 14 is sealed.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the toilet ventilation system with replaceable filtration, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and the manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Directional terms such as “front”, “back”, “in”, “out”, “downward”, “upper”, “lower”, and the like may have been used in the description. These terms are applicable to the examples shown and described in conjunction with the drawings. These terms are merely used for the purpose of description in connection with the drawings and do not necessarily apply to the position in which the present invention may be used.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

1. A toilet ventilation system for use with a typical toilet, the system comprising: a vented seat; a plurality of inlet apertures within the seat; a vent channel within a substantial portion of the seat, the vent channel communicating with the inlet apertures; a transfer port, the transfer port directly communicating with the vent channel; an evacuation unit within a unit case, the case having a motor end and a filter end, the unit and case comprising: a fan motor disposed longitudinally within the filter end; a power cord, the power cord connecting the fan motor to standard electrical outlets; a motor axle extending from the motor, the axle extending medially within the evacuation unit; a fan on an end of the axle a cylindrical fan shroud surrounding the fan and a portion of the motor axle, the fan shroud having a motor end and a filter end; a shroud restrictor disposed in the filter end of the fan shroud; a shroud outlet disposed centrally within the shroud restrictor; a shroud thread disposed immediately without the shroud restrictor; a cylindrical filter housing; a cylindrical filter housing with housing thread, such that the filter housing thread removably inserts within the shroud thread; a filter removably inserted within the filer housing; a housing exhaust exiting the filter housing; a removable vented cover disposed at the filter end of the evacuation case, the vented cover communicating with the exhaust housing; a shroud inlet disposed in a top side of the fan shroud; an inlet to the evacuation case, the inlet proximal to the fan shroud; a flexible collection tube, the tube connecting the transfer port of the seat to the shroud inlet of the fan shroud, such that gasses from the toilet seat area are drawn from the seat, through the removable filter, and out the case vented cover.
 2. The invention in claim 1 wherein the shroud further comprises a shroud seal, the seal for sealing around the motor axle.
 3. The invention in claim 2 wherein the removable vented case cover is threadably removable.
 4. The invention in claim 3 wherein the evacuation case is further comprised of stand; a plurality of legs extending from a bottom of the stand.
 5. The invention in claim 4 wherein the shroud inlet enters the fan shroud at a tangent to the cylindrical fan shroud.
 6. The invention in claim 5 wherein the evacuation case is further comprised of a grommet, the grommet disposed around the collection tube at the evacuation case inlet.
 7. The invention in claim 6 wherein the transfer port is further comprised of a grommet, the grommet surrounding the collection tube at the transfer port of the seat.
 8. A toilet ventilation system for use with a typical toilet, the system comprising: a vented seat; a plurality of inlet apertures within the seat; a vent channel within a substantial portion of the seat, the vent channel communicating with the inlet apertures; a transfer port, the transfer port directly communicating with the vent channel; an evacuation unit within a unit case, the case having a motor end and a filter end, the unit and case comprising: a fan motor disposed longitudinally within the filter end; a power cord, the power cord connecting the fan motor to standard electrical outlets; a motor axle extending from the motor, the axle extending medially within the evacuation unit; a fan on an end of the axle a cylindrical fan shroud surrounding the fan and a portion of the motor axle, the fan shroud having a motor end and a filter end; a shroud restrictor disposed in the filter end of the fan shroud; a shroud outlet disposed centrally within the shroud restrictor; a shroud thread disposed immediately without the shroud restrictor; a cylindrical filter housing; a cylindrical filter housing with housing thread, such that the filter housing thread removably inserts within the shroud thread; a housing intake, the intake communicating with the shroud outlet; a filter removably inserted within the filer housing; a housing choke immediately proximal to the filter; a housing tube connected to the housing choke; a housing exhaust on the housing tube, the housing exhaust proximal to the filter end of the filter housing; a removable vented cover disposed at the filter end of the evacuation case, the vented cover communicating with the exhaust housing; a shroud inlet disposed in a top side of the fan shroud; an inlet to the evacuation case, the inlet proximal to the fan shroud; a flexible collection tube, the tube connecting the transfer port of the seat to the shroud inlet of the fan shroud, such that gasses from the toilet seat area are drawn from the seat, through the removable filter, and out the case vented cover.
 9. The invention in claim 1 wherein the shroud further comprises a shroud seal, the seal for sealing around the motor axle.
 10. The invention in claim 9 wherein the removable vented case cover is threadably removable.
 11. The invention in claim 10 wherein the evacuation case is further comprised of stand; a plurality of legs extending from a bottom of the stand.
 12. The invention in claim 11 wherein the shroud inlet enters the fan shroud at a tangent to the cylindrical fan shroud.
 13. The invention in claim 12 wherein the evacuation case is further comprised of a grommet, the grommet disposed around the collection tube at the evacuation case inlet.
 14. The invention in claim 13 wherein the transfer port is further comprised of a grommet, the grommet surrounding the collection tube at the transfer port of the seat.
 15. A toilet ventilation system for use with a typical toilet, the system comprising: a vented seat; a plurality of inlet apertures within the seat; a vent channel within a substantial portion of the seat, the vent channel communicating with the inlet apertures; a transfer port, the transfer port directly communicating with the vent channel; an evacuation unit within a unit case, the case having a motor end and a filter end, the unit and case comprising: a fan motor disposed longitudinally within the filter end; a power cord, the power cord connecting the fan motor to standard electrical outlets; a motor axle extending from the motor, the axle extending medially within the evacuation unit; a fan on an end of the axle a cylindrical fan shroud surrounding the fan and a portion of the motor axle, the fan shroud having a motor end and a filter end; a shroud restrictor disposed in the filter end of the fan shroud; a shroud outlet disposed centrally within the shroud restrictor; a shroud thread disposed immediately without the shroud restrictor; a cylindrical filter housing; a cylindrical filter housing with housing thread, such that the filter housing thread removably inserts within the shroud thread; a housing intake, the intake communicating with the shroud outlet; a filter removably inserted within the filer housing; a housing choke immediately proximal to the filter; a housing tube connected to the housing choke; a housing exhaust on the housing tube, the housing exhaust proximal to the filter end of the filter housing; a removable vented cover disposed at the filter end of the evacuation case, the vented cover communicating with the exhaust housing; a shroud inlet disposed in a top side of the fan shroud; an inlet to the evacuation case, the inlet proximal to the fan shroud; an access cover, the access cover disposed on a side of the unit case, the access cover proximal to the filter housing within the case, a flexible collection tube, the tube connecting the transfer port of the seat to the shroud inlet of the fan shroud, such that gasses from the toilet seat area are drawn from the seat, through the removable filter, and out the case vented cover.
 16. The invention in claim 15 wherein the shroud further comprises a shroud seal, the seal for sealing around the motor axle.
 17. The invention in claim 16 wherein the removable vented case cover is threadably removable.
 18. The invention in claim 17 wherein the evacuation case is further comprised of stand; a plurality of legs extending from a bottom of the stand.
 19. The invention in claim 18 wherein the shroud inlet enters the fan shroud at a tangent to the cylindrical fan shroud.
 20. The invention in claim 19 wherein the evacuation case is further comprised of a grommet, the grommet disposed around the collection tube at the evacuation case inlet, the invention transfer port further comprised of a grommet, the grommet surrounding the collection tube at the transfer port of the seat. 